Whittalls Travels recognizes the critical importance of ecosystem restoration in preserving biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change. As part of our commitment to sustainable tourism, we actively engage in ecosystem restoration efforts in the regions we operate. Through partnerships with local conservation organizations and community initiatives, we contribute to reforestation, habitat rehabilitation, and marine conservation projects. By investing in the restoration of ecosystems, we aim to leave a lasting positive impact on the environment, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural wonders of our planet.
Whittalls Travels has initiated a deliberate effort to safeguard, preserve, and rejuvenate ecosystems in Sri Lanka. The inaugural tree planting session for the Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project, managed by the John Keells Foundation (the CSR division of John Keells Holdings), took place successfully on May 21, 2022, in Kalawana, near the revered Sinharaja rainforest, a UNESCO world heritage site in the country.
Ten dedicated Whittalls Travels employees, joined by 30 volunteers from our parent company, John Keells Holdings, actively participated in this inaugural event. Their tasks included transporting saplings to the ridge of the plot and planting them at specified locations, all under the guidance of field experts.
As part of their commitment to sustainability, Whittalls Travels has undertaken the responsibility of maintaining a 5-acre land parcel until March 2024 and has even engaged their first international clients in this meaningful project. Mr. Vimukthi Weeratunga, the project lead and a wildlife biologist, accompanied the team, highlighting the future diversity of flora and fauna that will rejuvenate the wet zone’s biodiversity. He also shed light on the anticipated impact of these conservation efforts, which could manifest within 10 to 15 years.
The “Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project,” launched in collaboration with Ruk Rakaganno (The Tree Society of Sri Lanka), Forest Department Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, and John Keells Foundation, aims to revive a degraded 50-acre plot within three years after that letting nature take over the regeneration process. This approach aligns with the global perspective that natural forest regrowth holds promise as a viable solution to combat climate change.
Situated in the Ratnapura District, merely 3.5 kilometers from the biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the 50-acre site marks a crucial location for restoration. By reviving and reforesting this land, the project aims to enhance the region’s ecological significance, encompassing numerous waterfalls and culturally and religiously significant areas.
The “Cinnamon Rainforest Restoration Project” is a timely exemplar, showcasing how corporate entities collaborating with governmental bodies and NGOs can actively contribute to biodiversity conservation. It stands as a beacon for enriching Sri Lanka’s biodiversity amid the urgent need for such endeavors.
In an era where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly crucial, the endeavors of passionate volunteers like Whittalls Travels are a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in preserving our planet. Whittalls Travels in collaboration with DER Touristik Foundation embarked on a transformative journey with the Koggala Mangrove Project, which is an initiative nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.
The project’s mission extends beyond mere conservation; it’s a collective commitment to nurturing and restoring the vital mangrove ecosystems that serve as a lifeline for coastal communities. Team Whittall’s immersion began with an insightful briefing, where the team was introduced to the diverse array of mangrove plant species dotting the landscape.
Led by seasoned environmentalists, the volunteers were guided through the project’s nursery, a hub of thriving saplings awaiting their new coastal homes. The passion and dedication of the project’s custodians were palpable, igniting a spark within the volunteers, including Team Whittalls, to contribute meaningfully to the cause. The highlight of Team Whittall’s journey came with a poignant moment—a boat ride through the tranquil waters surrounding the project area. But this was no leisurely cruise; it was an expedition to make a tangible difference. Armed with determination and saplings in hand, the team embarked on a mission to plant over 100 new mangrove plants.
The act of planting these resilient saplings was more than just adding to the greenery. It was a promise to the future, a commitment to safeguarding these invaluable ecosystems for generations to come. Each plant nestled into the soft soil was a step towards fortifying coastal defenses, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Whittall’s Travels experience at the Koggala Mangrove Project wasn’t merely a stint in volunteering; it was an immersion into a world where environmental stewardship and community engagement converge. It was a lesson in humility, understanding, and the profound impact that collective action can achieve.
